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Monday, December 24, 2012

A Monster Calls by Patrick Ness

First published in 2011

If
you can, try to get the illustrated version of A Monster Calls – it makes the whole book a beautiful little
volume to keep and really enhances the dark themes and emotions present in the
book. They mimic the kind of twisted, bitter thoughts present in Connor’s mind,
but overall just appeal to the idea of darkness. I think they were haunting and
beautiful.

This
book is dark. It is raw, it is unflinching and honest, and for all the magic
realism present in it, it is a very real story. I knew what was coming – I think
that it is clear what will happen from the start. But I did cry, and not even
just because the writing was beautiful or it was really tragic – but just
because it feels very real and laid bare. Even if you can’t relate to Connor’s
sadness, and the reasons for it, I think it is easy to apply those feelings on
a personal level, because as they are written they are simple and totally
accessible and there is nothing forced about them.

I
really loved the idea of the monster calling on Connor. I actually found the
monster rather funny with his deadpan lines and how he totally discredits all
of Connor’s outbursts. I thought he was kinda cool. I wouldn’t mind if he came
calling on me. The ‘monster’ element is actually a really lovely, unforced
example of using magic or fantasy to enhance a contemporary story – the two
parts work together seamlessly.

Another
aspect of A Monster Calls I really
enjoyed is the way it uses the importance of stories – stories to occupy our
minds, stories to cast light on our own lives, and stories to create beauty out
of chaos. Connor may not like the stories the monster tells him, but he cannot
deny their importance in getting him to the place he needs to be with his
mother.

A
Monster Calls is not a story I absolutely love or would hold dear to my heart,
but it is a very special story and a beautiful idea. I think many people would
cherish it as an emotional attachment - it might be one of those books that ‘gets’
them.

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About Me

The Book Grotto is my own little corner of the world dedicated to the very wonderful world of young adult and children's literature. I read so many titles that I just fall in love with, and hope to share a little of that with others - what makes these books great and why you should read them.
I work with books and have studied children's publishing and editing. I am also an author. My children's novel What the Raven Saw will be published in February 2013. I love theatre, mermaids and cabbage patch kids.
Please feel free to say hello at samantha.ellenb@gmail.com. Twitter @SamEllenB